Pet Groomers Rally for Change in Langford Zoning Laws

A pet grooming business in West Shore, British Columbia, is leading a campaign to amend zoning regulations that restrict pet grooming to auxiliary services. When Pawsitive Pet Grooming received notice that they would need to vacate their location at Colwood’s Hatley Park Centre after 15 years, partners Tricia Heidinger and Silvia Panziera saw an opportunity for growth.

Heidinger expressed optimism, stating, “We’re excited to find a new space … to reinvest into ourselves and to create something super cool.” However, their search for a suitable commercial property in Colwood proved challenging, prompting them to explore options in the neighbouring municipality of Langford.

While they identified potential locations that met accessibility requirements, Heidinger and Panziera were dismayed to discover that existing zoning regulations do not recognize pet grooming as a primary use. Instead, it is classified as a secondary service tied to businesses like pet daycare. This classification left the groomers feeling bewildered and frustrated.

Panziera voiced her concerns, stating, “This is ridiculous. How have I been doing this for 40 years if it’s not considered a business?” Heidinger echoed her sentiments, expressing her disbelief over the classification. “To have somebody say that this isn’t a standalone business blew my mind,” she added.

City officials informed the groomers that they could either apply for a temporary use permit at a cost of $2,290 or seek a location where pet grooming is permitted as a principal use. However, the limitations of the current regulations made these options impractical. “We just want to have a small shop so we can continue doing what we do for the community – make dogs clean and super cool, and just have a good time doing it,” Heidinger explained.

Undeterred, Heidinger initiated a campaign to advocate for a change in Langford’s zoning bylaw. Described by Panziera as “the Erin Brockovich of dog groomers,” Heidinger leveraged her research skills to challenge the existing regulations. “At that point for me, it wasn’t any longer a fight for us to find a spot in Langford, it was just about a right to have a business,” she stated.

Heidinger dedicated extensive hours to writing emails to city staff and councillors, reaching out to media, and engaging with the community via social media. Her efforts did not go unnoticed; a Facebook post detailing their struggles reached over 20,000 individuals.

Ultimately, Heidinger’s perseverance led to a breakthrough. During a council meeting in December, Councillor Colby Harder proposed a motion to prepare a bylaw amendment to allow pet grooming and bakery businesses in all commercial zones. Mayor Scott Goodmanson expressed support for the initiative, stating, “Langford is committed to being open for business and supporting entrepreneurs who choose to set up shop here.”

The city’s willingness to amend the zoning law has revived Heidinger and Panziera’s plans to relocate before their lease expires in May 2024. They hope to replicate the success of Pawsitive Pet Grooming, which has become a beloved community hub in Colwood.

Beyond grooming services, the business has actively contributed to local animal rescue efforts by selling items in their shop and organizing fundraisers for those in need. Collaborations with organizations like the Victoria Cool Aid Society and PHS Community Services Society have enabled them to support vulnerable residents in the region.

Heidinger reflected on the relationships they’ve built with their clients over the years. “We’ve celebrated births, lost friends, and held each other through loss,” she shared. “Our goal is just to make sure everybody leaves feeling a little bit better than when they came in.”

The sense of community that has developed around Pawsitive Pet Grooming has been a significant motivator for Heidinger’s advocacy. “Because it wasn’t just me that did it,” she noted. “It was our whole community – we did it.”